Free State produced the standout performance on day one of the FNB U18 Craven Week at Grey High School in Gqeberha on Monday, routing the Limpopo Blue Bulls 66-41 in a match that alone yielded 107 points on the Kolisi Field.
Flyhalf Zachary Walbrugh was the driving force for Free State, finishing with 31 personal points that included a hat-trick of tries. Centres Ruan Roux and Eddie Mabena each crossed twice as the Bloemfontein side ran in a series of tries in an open, free-flowing contest.
Western Province came from behind to beat hosts Eastern Province 42-25 in the final match of the day. EP made a promising start, with flyhalf Nathan Trytsman's two penalty goals keeping the score close at the break. WP then outscored EP 28-12 in the second half, with flyhalf Achmat Behardien converting six tries and adding one of his own late in the game.
Boland and the Sharks also opened with wins. Boland came from 13-3 down at half-time to beat the Leopards 39-20, while the Sharks ran five tries past SWD in a 36-19 victory.
Across the four matches, 41 tries were scored on the opening day. Tuesday's programme at Grey High includes the Jukskei Derby between the Blue Bulls and Golden Lions at 15h15, with Border facing the Valke in the day's opening match at 09h30.